Council adopts Niagara Falls Community Improvement Plan

City Council has approved a new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) that brings several older plans together into one clear, city-wide program to support reinvestment, redevelopment, and community revitalization across the city.

The new CIP includes five financial incentive programs to support growth and renewal:

• Brownfield Environmental Study Grant - Helps cover the cost of environmental studies on contaminated or underused sites.
• Brownfield Tax Increment Grant - Encourages the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites by rebating a portion of increased property taxes after redevelopment.
• Urban Infill Tax Increment Grant - Supports redevelopment of underused properties, especially mixed-use and higher-density projects in key areas.
• Employment Generator Tax Increment Grant - Helps attract and keep major employers by reducing municipal tax impacts for new or expanding jobs.
• Streetscape Improvement Grant - Helps property owners improve building fronts, accessibility, heritage features, and overall streetscape appearance.

The new CIP is expected to take effect on February 12, 2026, following the appeal period, and will help encourage investment, job creation, and community renewal across Niagara Falls.

View the Report.

What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a policy and financial tool used by municipalities to support community development. Enabled under Section 28 of the Planning Act, a CIP allows the City to offer financial incentives and other support to help advance local goals, such as creating more affordable housing, attracting businesses and jobs, promoting sustainable development, and revitalizing neighbourhoods.

Why are we developing a new CIP?

Our city is growing, and with growth comes both challenges and opportunities. We’re facing rising housing costs, climate change, and the need to use land more efficiently. At the same time, we have opportunities to support local employers, build more diverse housing options, and shape a greener, more resilient future.

The City’s current CIP programs have been in place for many years. However, uptake has been limited, and the programs no longer reflect today’s priorities or Council's strategic direction. A new CIP will help us focus our efforts where they are most needed.

What will the new CIP do?

It will provide the City with updated financial incentive programs and implementation tools to support these priorities. For example, the CIP could provide grants or rebates to property owners, developers, or businesses undertaking eligible projects that meet specific criteria, such as building new rental housing, improving building energy efficiency, or revitalizing underused sites.

By aligning these tools with Council’s goals, the CIP will help the City direct investment where it can have the greatest impact.

Housing Incentive Program Update

Earlier this year, the City paused work on the Affordable and Attainable Housing component of the CIP to ensure alignment with Niagara Region’s new Housing Incentive Program and to maximize future funding partnership opportunities. The Region has now completed its program and supporting analysis. With this information available, the City will begin work on its corresponding housing incentive program in the new year to ensure a coordinated, effective, and complementary approach.

We want to hear from you!

We’re looking for your input to help shape how we move forward.

Throughout this process, we’ll engage with residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to help shape the new CIP's vision, goals, and programs.

Your feedback will help us focus our efforts where they matter most.